All About Middle Grade Interview: Cindy Cipriano (Author of The Circle)

This week, I am very excites to welcome Cindy Cipriano, author of The Circle, to the blog for the All About Middle Grade Challenge. I hope y'all will give her a very warm welcome.

About the Author:

Cindy Cipriano lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and 27 pets. Okay, maybe not 27. More like three dogs, one cat, and many, many, fish. Cindy enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and the avoidance of cooking.

Cindy is a 2012 recipient of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund PRISM award, and was named Outstanding Science Teacher in 2009 by the NC Science Teachers Association.

The Circle is Cindy’s first novel, and the first book in the Sidhe Series. The Circle is published by Odyssey Books.

You can haunt Cindy Cipriano at-
Goodreads | Website | 

Interview Questions:

1. Could you tell us a little about the Sidhe and why you chose to write about them in The Circle?

Once when I was spending some quality time in a "time out" I wondered what I might find under the tiles in the floor.  I imagined a long winding staircase under one of the tiles. At the bottom of the staircase, I'd find an old man working by candlelight over an ancient desk. Because the tiles were only about 12 inch squares, I guess I thought the old man would have to be a faerie to fit in that small space. That image stayed with me through adulthood, and the old man became Uilleam (Calum's grandfather). Sidhe is Celtic for faerie.

2. In seven words can you introduce readers to Calum, the main character in your book?

Meet Calum - Laurel's eleven year old hero!

3. I admit that I'm curious to know where the book takes place, is it a fictional world or is it set in the world we know?

Emerald Lake is a fictional town in the mountains of North Carolina. However, Fairy Stone Park is a real state park in Virginia where one might find actual fairy stones. These stones were the inspiration for the tokens in The Circle. Taking it a step further, I designed tokens for each clan created with a 3D printer. The images may be found on my website: http://www.thesidheseries.com/shop.php

4. Cindy, since your first novel, The Circle, has some mythological beings in it, what are two of your favorite mythologies? What about them do you like?

Hmmmm, it's hard to think of two mythologies, but I really enjoy local legends. One being the legend of Fairy Stone Park. It's just beautiful!

5. Since fantasy books just so happen to be at the top of my reading list and because your book is a fantasy title, what are three fantasy books that you would recommend to readers? Why those three?

Well, the Harry Potter series of course. The Vampire Academy, and The House of Night. Why? Because they are excellent reads!

6. Everyone has a list of favorite authors, could you share your top three favorites and why you like their writing?

Ally Carter, her stories are timeless and fun. Ally Condie - Matched. Need I say more? And, Amy Kathleen Ryan. Glow is just amazing!

7. If you could pack your bags and visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why are you interested in seeing that place?

Italy. I'd love to see Italy. I'd also like to return to Berlin. The people and food are absolutely wonderful.

8. The world has fallen to a robot invasion and only one heroine/hero can possibly save the day, who do you choose?

My Dad. He could fix anything!

9. Care to tell us about your writing cave (include picture if you want)?

It's the FROG (finished room over the garage). The space gives me a special kind of peace. Sadly, as you can see of the pic, it's a little messy.

10. Any upcoming projects that you can sure with us?

Yes! Amaberis, my paranormal/dystopian/romance YA. The manuscript is complete and looking for a home!  Currently, I'm working on The Lost, the sequel to The Circle. The Lost will be released in the Spring(ish) 2014.

Cindy, thank so much for stopping by and answering a few questions. Love that you listed Ally Carter as one of your favorite authors. She happens to be one of my favorites too.

The Circle (The Sidhe, 1) by Cindy Cipriano, June 1, 2013. Published by Odyssey Books.

Calum Ranson is sure of three things: his cousin Finley is alive, Calum will find him, and no one knows Calum and his family are Sidhe. No one until Laurel shows up at his mother’s bookstore wearing a dark clan’s mark.

When Calum learns the details surrounding the disappearance of Laurel’s brother, he suspects the evil Hobayeth clan. Calum and Laurel work together in the Realm of Man and the Otherworld to rescue her brother – revealing a connection between Calum and Laurel that may cost Finley his life.

You can add The Circle to your Goodreads shelf.